Nickel string poll: Dunlop vs Fender

[Kerem Koseoglu]

Hey TB!

I will install 45-105 nickel strings to my P bass and need your opinions.

I don't like steel strings due to their bright sound, excess finger noise and rough feel, so I'm going for nickels. I tried nickel plated steels (Fender 7250) as well, but they are still too bright for my taste.

Considering those points; which string do you recommend for jazz / blues / rock?

My available options are:

• Dunlop Nickel Wound - DUNLOP BASS STRINGS  
• Fender 7150 Pure Nickel - Invalid Link Removed

 

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Neither of those if you dont like a bright tone, finger noise or rough feel. If I must choose one of those it would be the Fender....

If were to suggest ones... GHS Pressurewounds or Ken Smith Compressors

 

[michael_t]

I don't like steel strings due to their bright sound, excess finger noise and rough feel, so I'm going for nickels. I tried nickel plated steels (Fender 7250) as well, but they are still too bright for my taste.

My available options are:

• Dunlop Nickel Wound
• Fender 7150 Pure Nickel

Dunlop Nickel Wound = Nickel-plated Steel = similar to Fender 7250 both in tone and feel.
Fender 7150 = Pure Nickel = warmer tone with less zing. Slightly smoother-feeling than the 7250.

If those are the only two options you have available, then try the Fender.

EDIT: If you can get hold of GHS strings where you are, both the Balanced Nickels (pure nickel roundwound) and the Pressurewounds (nickel-iron alloy rollerwound) are better options than the above two both for being "smooth" and "not too bright".

 

[Linnin]

+1 GHS Balanced Nickels

 

[RocknRay]

Dunlop Nickel Wound are certainly worth a try. String mid presence, subdued (not absent) top end that mellows more with age. They don’t sound like Dunlop Super Brights.

 

[Kyle_S]

Dunlop Nickel Wound = Nickel-plated Steel = similar to Fender 7250 both in tone and feel.

Was just wondering if Dunlop nickels were pure nickel or nickel-plated steel, and of course the great @michael_t answered my question six years ago. You're a legend, dude!

Is it kinda strange that Dunlop doesn't even specify on their website that the standard series and Super Brights are nickel-plated steel? Or are pure nickel bass strings such a niche thing at this point that it's simply not necessary?

 

[Akiyama]

7250s for me. Sorry

 

[michael_t]

Was just wondering if Dunlop nickels were pure nickel or nickel-plated steel, and of course the great @michael_t answered my question six years ago. You're a legend, dude!

Is it kinda strange that Dunlop doesn't even specify on their website that the standard series and Super Brights are nickel-plated steel? Or are pure nickel bass strings such a niche thing at this point that it's simply not necessary?

That was six years ago.

Dunlop now has what's called "Dual Dynamic Hybrid Nickel/Steel" strings, which are pure nickel roundwound with stainless steel inner layers.

Thread 'Dunlop String Lab Dual Dynamic hybrid nickel/steel strings'

Oct 5, 2023

I did a rudimentary search and didn't find anything posted about these strings.

From the website:
This set of Hybrid Nickel Strings taps into the unique sound and feel of both nickel and steel with a nickel outer layer that provides a big, punchy low end and an inner steel layer that puts your groove front and center with an aggressive midrange. Under the fingers, they’re comfortable to play. From tone to touch, you won’t find a more exceptionally balanced set of bass strings.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Seems interesting on paper, and at $22 for a 4-string set there's very...

• NKBassman
• Replies: 138
• Forum: Strings [BG]

• 

The Super Bright Nickels are the more conventional nickel-plated steel.